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K-State Today

May 6, 2016

A letter from VP for administration and finance: City University Project Fund projects

Submitted by Cindy Bontrager

Cindy Bontrager, vice president for administration and finance

Dear faculty, staff and students,

On May 3, the Manhattan City Commission voted unanimously to approve the 2017 City University Project Fund requests. The City University fund was established in 1994 to provide resources for projects deemed to be of mutual benefit to the community and Kansas State University. The fund is financed through the collection of sales tax and franchise fees generated on campus.

The approval by the city commission is the culmination of several months' work to solicit project ideas from various campus groups as well as the city administration. These projects are ultimately vetted through the President's Cabinet and the City University Projects Fund Committee, which comprises nine members representing multiple constituencies from the university and the community. Those projects deemed feasible and of mutual benefit ultimately were recommended for the city commission's consideration.

Provided below is a brief summary of approved projects. You may view the entire request document on the Budget Office webpage.

Calendar Year 2017 Projects

North Manhattan Avenue improvements

Construct curb and gutter, storm sewer, sidewalk, grading, retaining wall, signal and road improvements to North Manhattan Avenue adjacent to K-State Research Park.
Second of three-year request — $100,000

Realignment of intersection at Lovers Lane and Thurston Street

Shift Lovers Lane to the north in order to align directly across from Thurston Street. Two new crosswalks will be constructed with lights, street lighting, and Americans with Disability Act curb cuts. Also included is a bicycle contraflow lane. Storm water improvements also are included in this project.
Second of a two year request — $214,500

Campus perimeter traffic flow study

Assist with updating pedestrian crosswalk signalizations along campus corridors. Project would study appropriate pedestrian crossing alternatives and key on campus perimeter corridors  — Denison Avenue, North Manhattan Avenue and Sunset Avenue.
1st year request for engineering study — $30,000

Sunset Avenue Corridor improvements

Provide multiple pedestrian and traffic control improvements along the Sunset Avenue corridor from Claflin Road to Anderson Avenue. Corridor is growing in populations and traffic with recent upzoning in two areas east of campus by the city and upcoming completion of new Wefald Hall residence hall will add traffic.
One year request — $115,500

Linear Trail extension

New multiuse trail along Denison Avenue from Marlatt Avenue to Kimball Avenue. Paved 10-foot-wide path would accommodate pedestrians, bicyclists, and others. City is planning to partner with Riley County and K-State on a Kansas Department of Transportation grant for street improvements along this section of Denison Avenue.
One year request — $75,000

Pedestrian and bike path lighting additions

Existing bike path from Jardine Drive to College Avenue has inadequate lighting causing a safety concern. Area is high traffic and a key pedestrian connection to campus from multifamily areas. Project would add light poles along the path to brighten the area.
One year request — $100,000

Sidewalk construction at Pioneer Lane

Install sidewalk on the north side of Pioneer Lane from Manhattan Avenue to McCain Lane. No sidewalk exists currently and pedestrians are forced to walk in the roadway.
One year request — $35,000

Colbert Hills special assessment support

Assist in payment of special assessment tax funding associated with the construction of Grand Mere Parkway.
Second of a three year request — $30,000

Sincerely,

Cindy Bontrager
Vice president for administration and finance

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